National teams shine in Media Days
Oct 15, 2024·Alpine SkiingIn the past two weeks, the national ski teams of Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and France have each held their annual media days, showcasing their preparations for the upcoming winter season.
Swiss-Ski set the tone with a multi-day event in Dübendorf, where athletes fulfilled various media commitments and received their new winter gear. The Italian team followed with a more compact media session, capped off by their glamorous annual gala dinner. Meanwhile, Austria took to the stage with their athletes modeling the latest ski outfits during a stylish presentation, blending fashion and function. The French team, not to be outdone, hosted a fast-paced media day in Annecy, where athletes dashed between photoshoots and interviews to complete their media obligations in a packed half-day schedule.
Swiss-Ski hosts an extensive media week in Dübendorf
Over the course of several days, Swiss-Ski athletes gathered in Dübendorf for an action-packed media days. This annual event was a major opportunity for athletes to fulfill various media obligations, including sponsor photoshoots, promotional content for the federation, and social media engagements.
The event was not just about media interactions but also a practical moment for the team to receive their new winter equipment. Swiss-Ski athletes were outfitted with their official winter ski clothes and race suits, preparing them for the upcoming season.
Italian ski Team: Media day and gala celebration
The Italian ski team also hosted its media day, though their schedule was more condensed compared to Swiss-Ski’s multi-day event. The team efficiently completed various promotional photoshoots, capturing the essence of the sport while fulfilling their sponsor obligations and promotional duties.
A unique highlight of the Italian team's event is always their annual gala dinner, a glamorous evening where athletes and team members traded their ski gear for elegant attire. This tradition brings the team together off the slopes in a formal setting, where everyone gets to showcase their fashionable side and celebrate the season ahead. The gala dinner also serves as a social and networking opportunity, blending sports and culture.
A busy day for the French Federation in Annecy
The French Ski Federation held their media day in Annecy, packing a busy half-day into a tight schedule. Athletes found themselves running from one room to another, completing a series of planned photoshoots while juggling interviews with the press. Despite the condensed format, the French team efficiently fulfilled their media obligations, ensuring sponsors and media outlets got the content they needed.
Austria’s annual presentation: A fashion and media extravaganza
Austria’s ski team took a distinctive approach to their media day, emphasizing style and presentation. Held just two weeks before the World Cup season kicks off in Sölden, the event was headlined by a fashion show at EUROPARK, where top athletes walked the catwalk, presenting their new outfits for the upcoming season. The red-white-and-red winter sports stars displayed the latest collection, designed to inspire them to reach peak performance on the slopes. This fashion-forward event was not only a showcase of athletic wear but a key marketing moment for the team and its sponsors, highlighting the latest trends and technological innovations in ski gear.
The day’s program wasn’t just about fashion. Fans enjoyed an interactive and diverse schedule featuring the stars of Ski Austria. A children's press conference brought Alpine skiers like Manuel Feller and Stephanie Venier closer to their young fans, while participatory stations, including a downhill simulator, offered a unique insight into various winter sports disciplines.
After the fashion show in Salzburg, the following day was dedicated to the large-scale distribution of the new clothing. Athletes from all Ski Austria teams—ranging from the national squad to the B and C squads—gathered in Weng im Innkreis to collect their racing, training, and casual outfits for the winter. This two-day event combined style, media visibility, and preparation as Austria's athletes gear up for the upcoming season, looking sharp on and off the slopes.